The sweet scent of a natural parfum.

On a beautiful yet crisp day in November I was lucky enough to finally attend  a tea party and perfume launch with Ayala Moriel Parfums.  The tea and the fantastic homemade delicacies prepared by Ayala Moriel were served on the beautiful ceramic wares of Eikcam Designs.

I have followed Ayala for a little while now as what she creates is unique and in this chemical-infused world, a welcome alternative to highly processed scents.   Ayala Moriel has a line that includes not only the handcrafted perfumes, but teas, candles, bath salts and balms.

Above is the Zangvil Tea that Ayala launched accompanied by the new Cocoa Nymph chocolate bar, White Potion, that was created in collaboration with Ayala.  The tea is a white tea scented with jasmine and flavoured with candied ginger and vanilla bean.

The white chocolate bar is made with coconut for a smooth creamy texture, but is not too sweet. White Potion bar is based on the perfume of that name and also has tuberose flower essence in it, which is what makes it so special and different from all other chocolates in the world!

Above are a few baked homemade goodies: ginger-orange icebox cookies, Halva and snowballs.

Ayala offers tea and scent parties to interested brides-to-be.  These parties include her signature teas, handbaked cookies, sandwiches and a tutorial with the opportunity for guests to create their blended perfumes.  Her tea parties for brides can have up to 15 people.

The personalized perfume making workshops have space for only 6 people. Participants can create their own labels to go with their personal fragrances.  The process takes up to three hours and guests can chat and eat locally sourced treats handmade in Ayala’s kitchen.

 Her Zangvil Tea debuted at this event, but we were all warmed first with a delightful chai tea served in Eikcam teapots and cups.

The pears were most excellent having spent the morning marinating in wine and vanilla pods . . . yummy goodness.  The pears were marinated with ginger, citron fruit, vanilla, honey & Riesling.  These were just one of the many courses offered. 

The tea sandwiches pictured below are Asian pear with cheddar & quince mustard .  I believe these were my favourite!

For more information on scent bridal parties please contact Ayala directly at ayala@ayalamoriel.com . Eikcam ceramic ware can be purchased through Grace Lee’s studio in the Mergatroid Building on Vernon Street in Vancouver or if you make it out to One of a Kind, Grace will be exhibiting there next week!  Cocoa Nymph can be found online and at Portobello Market.

photos by sweet earth photographics

The new Spa on the Block

It appears that I am not the only one who noticed a lovely new addition to the Heatley Block in Strathcona.  It was its simplicity and welcoming tranquility that found me entering Bioethique Boutique and Day Spa to check it out.  It brings together the only fully organic skin care line in North America certified by Nature Progres, the world’s strictest certifier for cosmetics, and a boutique and day spa.

The Georgia Straight wrote an article about the Day Spa in a recent paper and I don’t want to double up on information given, but the word does need to shared about this lovely little spot.

Bioethique has only been open for a few months after a long and hard fought battle to save The Heatley Block from demolition.  Its owner, Claudine Michaud, occupied the space initially as an office/storage space to keep a viable presence in the 1889 building.  Slowly the notion of combining an already established skin care line with the boutique and day spa came together.

Claudine describes this amazing space as “Heritage meets Modern” and walking into the boutique you definitely get a sense of the French provincial feel.   With the boutique at the front of the store offering a wide range of pure, natural and vegan products ready to purchase, the day spa at the rear offers treatments to relax the body and soul.

The boutique is 100% natural with no synthetic chemicals used from the 100 year french linens to the washing of the floors.  The space is scent free and even the most sensitive of individuals will find respite here.

Bioethique is new and evolving.  Claudine is “passionate about educating people” to look at what they put on their skin.  And it is not just her products that interest her.  Look for new methods to maintain a youthful appearance in an “intelligent” way through yoga coming soon to the store.

And for the discerning bride what space could be more lovely for a bridal party than organic champagne and chemical free manicures done with an old fashioned polishing tool and original french clay.  Feel rejuvenated with an hour long massage which includes hot stones and exfoliation. Come in with a group or on your own.  Email the boutique directly for more information on this as this is part of the evolution of services.

article by Shona Dion, photos by sweet earth photographics